Exercise and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, underdiagnosed neurological movement disorder of undetermined etiology. The primary treatments for restless legs syndrome are pharmacological. To date, no randomized controlled trials have examined the effectiveness of an exercise program on the symptoms of RLS.Methods: Study participants (N ‫؍‬ 41) were randomized to either exercise or control groups. 28 participants (average age 53.7; 39% males) were available and willing to begin the 12-week trial. The exercise group was prescribed a conditioning program of aerobic and lower-body resistance training 3 days per week. Restless legs symptoms were assessed by the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) severity scale and an ordinal scale of RLS severity at the beginning of the trial, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks.Results: Twenty-three participants completed the trial. At the end of the 12 weeks, the exercise group (N ‫؍‬ 11) had a significant improvement in symptoms compared with the control group (N ‫؍‬ 12) (P ‫؍‬ .001 for the IRLSSG severity scale and P < .001 for the ordinal scale). Conclusions Background and ObjectivesRestless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological movement disorder affecting a large segment of the population. Studies of the prevalence of RLS suggest the condition affects approximately 10% of the adult population, although one study found a prevalence of 24% in patients presenting to a primary care office.1-3 Although RLS is common, it is seldom diagnosed. The 2001 Sleep in America Poll found a prevalence of 13% in the adult population, but only 3% of those had actually been diagnosed with RLS. 4 Factors associated with higher incidence of RLS include older age, multiparity, sedentary lifestyle, positive family history, and obesity.1,2 Secondary causes of RLS include iron deficiency, renal failure, neuropathy, pregnancy, and certain medications. 5 RLS is associated with depression, anxiety, and negative quality of life. 6,7 The diagnosis of RLS is clinical. Minimal criteria for the diagnosis are: 1) a compelling urge to move the limbs, usually associated with paresthesias/dysesthesias; 2) motor restlessness as seen in activities such as floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, and rubbing the legs; 3) symptoms worse or exclusively present at rest (ie, lying, sitting) with variable and temporary relief by activity; and 4) symptoms worse in the evening and at night. 8 RLS tends to cluster in older, overweight adults, 6,9,10 who are at increased risk for comorbid conditions. Physical activity and exercise may be important in the reduction of the risk for comorbid conditions; however, the effects of exercise on RLS severity are unknown. Furthermore, the current treatment for RLS is primarily pharmacological in nature. The vast majority of clinical trials have concentrated on the use of dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines.11-13 These agents often have significant side effects. Little research has been undertaken to determine whether lifestyle changes, ...

Lifestyle factors and risk of restless legs syndrome: Prospective Cohort study

“…Lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, obesity, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and consumption of coffee have also been postulated to have an effect on the risk or severity of RLS. 13 However, the evidence linking these factors to RLS is based on small studies (n = 41), 16 and the use of different methodologic and diagnostic criteria, and the lack of control for covariates, has resulted in conflicting results. We thus prospectively examined the associations between lifestyle factors (i.e., obesity, physical activity, overall diet quality, smoking, and alcohol intake) and risk of developing RLS in two large US cohorts including more than 65,000 men and women.…”

Brazilian consensus on guidelines for diagnosis and treatment for restless legs syndrome

“…Significant reduction of RLS severity score was observed after 6 weeks and was maintained after 12 weeks 101 .…”

“…For other opioids (codeine, methadone, tramadol and others) there are only studies of Classes III and IV 77,78,79,80 . Some of these studies report mainly on the tolerability of opioids in the long term, providing only indirect data 80 or no information on clinical effectiveness 101 . The data that draws attention in studies of Ondo and Silver 79,80 is that all patients who abandoned treatment with opioids (around 15% in total), did it in the first year of treatment, with no dropouts from the second year.…”

Pengaruh Latihan Kekuatan terhadap Restless Legs Syndrome Pasien Hemodialisis

“…Hasil dalam penelitian ini didukung oleh penelitian yang dilakukan Esteves, de Mello, Benedito-Silva, Tufik (2011); Christoforos et al (2010); dan Aukerman et al (2006). Meskipun terdapat perbedaan dengan penelitian sebelumnya.…”